‘Elemental’ – Pixar’s Worst Opening In Modern History

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

Variety does not put it lightly. Disney and Pixar’s Elemental was a total box office flop and was beaten out by Ezra Miller’s The Flash, which also opened with disappointing numbers. Elemental made only $29.6 million on its three-day opening weekend, securing its place as a “box office lightweight.” For comparison, Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid made over $160 million worldwide on its opening weekend.

While movie-goers actually rated the theatrical release of Elemental as a good experience, the sour box office numbers tell a different story. Variety also notes that this new animated movie cost about $200 million to make and another $100 million to market, so unless there’s a huge audience shift over Elemental‘s time in theaters, the overall loss will most likely be devastating. It performed even worse than Pixar’s other low hitters Onward (2020) and The Good Dinosaur (2015).

Elemental and The Good Dinosaur also share a common director, Peter Sohn. In his 23-year-long Pixar career, Sohn says that no story has ever felt as personal to him as Elemental. He relates the story of Element City to his own life growing up in New York with Korean immigrant parents.

Sohn says,

When we saw animated films, I don’t remember translating anything for [my mom.] The medium itself was so powerful and transcendent of language that there were moments that brought her to tears. It hit me, “Wow animation can do that.” Elemental is a love letter to my parents- thanking them for building such a supportive foundation for my brother and I. Unfortunately, I lost both of them during the production of this film, and I miss them every day. 

While Elemental certainly has the heart of any of its Pixar predecessors, it just didn’t generate the same turnout. Could this be a result of the pandemic on the movie-going culture? Since the pandemic and Disney’s move to release some content directly to consumers via its streaming platform Disney+, it has been difficult to generate the same animated profit.

elemental ember wade fire water pixar flop peter sohn

Peter Sohn’s story about family, confidence, and choice stars the voice talents of Leah Lewis as fire element Ember and Mamoudou Athie as water dude Wade and is in theaters now.

Only time will tell if Elemental can get things sizzling at the box office, but right now, it seems to have already fizzled out.

Disney’s CFO is OUT Amid Serious Allegations of Corporate Fraud

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

An investigation is underway into claims by investors who say Disney execs engaged in unlawful business practices, including securities fraud, with regard to the success of Disney+.

A class-action lawsuit is mounting against The Walt Disney Company as shareholders have lodged complaints against the company about alleged dishonest business practices. The current investigation concerns whether three of Disney’s officers and/or directors engaged in those practices.

The Pomerantz Law Firm press release details the events that took place in late 2022 that have led to shareholders’ claims of wrongdoing on Disney’s part:

On September 21, 2021, Disney gave a virtual presentation at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia Conference. During the presentation, Chief Executive Officer Robert Chapek acknowledged that Disney+ subscriber growth had slowed in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year that ended on October 2, 2021. 

Disney CEO Bob Chapek talks park pass reservation system

On this news, Disney’s stock price fell $7.44 per share, or more than 4%, to close at $178.61 per share on September 20, 2021. 

On November 10, 2021, Disney reported its financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended October 2, 2021. Disney posted quarterly results that missed Wall Street’s already diminished expectations as the Company saw a dramatic slowdown in Disney+ subscribers. The Company added just 2.1 million customers during the quarter (the smallest quarterly gain since the service’s launch two years prior), revenue of $18.53 billion, and adjusted earnings per share of 37 cents – all of which were below consensus estimates of 119.6 million subscribers, $18.78 billion in revenues, and adjusted earnings per share of 49 cents.

On this news, Disney’s stock price fell $12.34 per share, or more than 7%, to close at $162.11 per share on November 11, 2021. 

Finally, on November 8, 2022, Disney issued a press release reporting the Company’s financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended October 1, 2022. Disney missed analyst estimates by wide margins on both the top and bottom lines. Revenue in the quarter grew just 9% to $20.15 billion, below estimates at $21.36 billion. Sales, at $20.2 billion, fell about $1 billion short of analysts’ projections. Earnings, excluding certain items, fell to 30 cents per share, missing the average estimate of 51 cents from analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. The Company’s DTC segment, which includes streaming services Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, and Hotstar, reported a monumental operating loss of $1.47 billion compared to a $630 million loss in the same quarter the year prior. Revenue in the segment increased just 8% to $4.9 billion. The Company also reported a decline in its average revenue per Disney+ subscriber as more customers subscribed through a discounted bundle with the Company’s other services. Notably, the bundled offering made up about 40% of domestic subscribers, confirming that Disney was relying on short-term promotional efforts to boost subscriber growth while impairing the platform’s long-term profitability. 

On this news, Disney’s stock price fell $13.15 per share, or more than 13%, to close at $86.75 per share on November 9, 2022.

Disney’s then-CEO Bob Chapek was removed from his post back on Sunday, November 20–a move that sent shockwaves throughout the Disney community. Veteran CEO Bob Iger was reinstalled, returning to The Walt Disney Company under a two-year contract. On Thursday, Disney announced the stepping down of CFO Christine McCarthy, who will reportedly take a family medical leave beginning July 1, 2023. Her final day of leave, as well as her final day of employment with The Walt Disney Company, will be June 30, 2024. An interim CFO will take her place while the company searches for the next chief financial officer. No other details were shared.

Both Chapek and McCarthy have been named in the suit, as has Kareem Daniel, who was fired from The Walt Disney Company shortly after Chapek’s removal. The three are named for their alleged involvement in “drafting, producing, reviewing and/or disseminating false and misleading statements” regarding the success of the company’s streaming business, according to the 39-page document filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on May 12.

It remains to be seen whether McCarthy’s leave of absence is related to the suit.

Things Just Got Merrier for Disney Cruise Line 2023 Holiday Voyages

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for planning a cruise vacation! This week, Disney Cruise Line not only announced 2024 fall itineraries for even more magical family vacations at sea, but also brand-new entertainment coming to Very Merrytime cruises in 2023. 

2023 Verry Merrytime Cruises

Looking to trade in white snow for white sand beaches? If so, Disney Cruise Line provides the perfect tropical setting for a family holiday getaway. With two brand-new entertainment experiences, Disney characters dressed in jolly new looks and fun-filled activities for the whole family, the high seas will be brimming with the spirit of the holidays later this year.

New Tree Lighting Ceremony

On the first night of all Very Merrytime sailings, guests will gather around the three-deck-tall tree in the ship’s atrium for a brand-new tree lighting ceremony. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy will invite families to sing along to classic holiday tunes, followed by a countdown that will not only make the tree merry and bright, but also introduce the guests of honor for the cruise 

“Deck” the Halls at Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party

Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party, another brand-new experience on these specialty sailings, will invite families to the upper decks for a one-of-a-kind celebration at sea filled with tidings of good cheer. This high-energy deck party – thrown by Mickey and Minnie – will feature favorite Disney friends as they celebrate friendship, love and family with a fresh mix of classic and original holiday songs.

Can’t get enough holiday décor? In addition to these new entertainment offerings, the Disney Cruise Line decks and halls will be filled with boughs of holly from bow-to-stern during Very Merrytime cruises. Aboard these seasonal sailings, guests will also find beloved Disney characters debuting new holiday attire, themed Very Merrytime activities for the entire family, carolers singing contemporary versions of songs that celebrate a myriad of holidays, commemorative merchandise and festive food and beverage items. 

With cruises from Florida and California, adults and children alike will discover the wonder of the holidays at sea in 2023. 

Disney Cruise Line will set sail from a new South Florida home in Fort Lauderdale, offering four- and five-night Very Merrytime cruises aboard the Disney Dream to tropical locales in the western Caribbean and Bahamas. Also from Florida, the Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy will continue sailing from Port Canaveral to The Bahamas and Caribbean. The Disney Magic will set sail to Baja and the Mexican Riviera from San Diego for holiday sailings before wrapping up the season in Galveston, Texas with Very Merrytime cruises to the western Caribbean.

Trailer for All New Pixar Film “Elio”

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

An out-of-this-world teaser trailer for Disney and Pixar’s 28th feature film, “Elio,” are now available. Additions to the voice cast include: Jameela Jamil and Brad Garrett join previously announced America Ferrera and Yonas Kibreab in the intergalactic misadventure that is scheduled to take off next spring—March 1, 2024.  

For centuries, people have called out to the universe looking for answers—in Disney and Pixar’s all-new movie “Elio,” the universe calls back! The original feature film introduces Elio, an underdog with an active imagination who finds himself inadvertently beamed up to the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide. Mistakenly identified as Earth’s ambassador to the rest of the universe, and completely unprepared for that kind of pressure, Elio must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, survive a series of formidable trials and somehow discover who he is truly meant to be.   

Directed by Adrian Molina (screenwriter and co-director of “Coco”) and produced by Mary Alice Drumm (associate producer of “Coco”), the film features the voices of America Ferrera as Elio’s mom, Olga; Jameela Jamil as Ambassador Questa; Brad Garrett as Ambassador Grigon; and Yonas Kibreab as the title character. “Elio” releases in theaters March 1, 2024.

Travel to Bhutan with National Geographic Expeditions

Posted on by Mathew Corn Uncategorized

National Geographic Expeditions recently announced that it will be taking travelers to Bhutan beginning in 2024. 

Visiting this country on the Himalayan mountains’ eastern edge offers views of dramatic landscapes and stunning architecture. Guests will be immersed in centuries-old traditions ardently protected by its government and its people, and meet with Bhutanese dignitaries offering once-in-a-lifetime conversations as guests learn about this unique country.

Let’s take a look at what guests will experience in Bhutan with National Geographic Expeditions. These are just highlights of all the amazing sights and experiences guests encounter, so be sure to see our website for a complete and detailed itinerary.

Bhutan: Land of Mysticism and Mythology

The first day in Bhutan includes a visit to a monastery where a monk will offer a blessing for safe travels. This blessing is a common Bhutanese practice and is your introduction to the local culture.

The journey on this 11-day excursion continues to Thimphu, the Phobjika Valley, Punakha and Paro.

In Thimphu, guests will stop at the Zangdok Pelri Temple, see the 169-foot Buddha Dordenma statue, hear from Buddhist practitioners and even participate in a butter lamp lighting ceremony. Following lunch, at the Institute of Thirteen Arts and Crafts, guests will see amazing artwork and a traditional painting demonstration. One of the most significant elements of this trip happens at the Folk Heritage Museum. Here guests will meet with a member of the King’s Court for a question-and-answer session followed by dinner at the museum.

Next, the beautiful Dochula Pass and its spectacular views will greet you as you stand in awe of the Himalayan mountains. In the Phobjikha Valley, touring a 450-year-old monastery, hiking in the forested areas to spot birds and wildlife, plus visiting a local farming community and having butter tea and lunch with a local farmer are just a few of the special moments in this region. Guests will also learn about the Black-Necked Crane and the local efforts to preserve and protect their roosting areas.

In Punakha, guests will engage with local villagers as you explore the countryside, Buddhist monasteries, the 520-foot suspension bridge, and the Punakha Dzong, an architectural wonder and the most important fortress in Bhutan.

Paro is also a delight. Here, guests will tour the National Museum to view the finest Bhutanese art collection of more than 3,000 pieces spanning 1,500 years of the country’s history, and visit the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. 

This is a dream trip for many reasons — the country has long protected its culture and has limited tourism. Known for its Gross National Happiness (GNH) Index, tourism and overall lifestyle are closely monitored by the government to contribute to the collective happiness of its people. For example, there are nine key markers that are measured, including culture, community and the environment.